Newsletter

Jackson man wanted in shooting of Beech Island teenager

Jamal Wykeen Beal is sought in the shooting.

The Aiken County Sheriff’s Office has identified a suspect in the shooting of a 16-year-old in Beech Island early Saturday.

Authorities are searching for Jamal Wykeen Beal, 21, of the 300 block of Runs Creek Drive, Jackson, as the shooter of the juvenile whose name has not been released, according to a press statement from Sheriff’s Capt. Troy Elwell.

At 4:41 a.m. Saturday, deputies were called to Cary Drive and found the teenager in the back seat of a vehicle with a gunshot wound to the head. According to other passengers in the car, they were driving down the street to try to buy illegal drugs when a man shot into the car.

Beal is sought on multiple warrants including attempted murder, possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime and attempted distribution of marijuana. He should be considered armed and dangerous, Elwell said. A photo released by authorities shows Beal with dreadlocks, but police say they don’t believe he currently wears that hairstyle.

The teen who was shot is being treated at Medical College of Georgia Hospital, but his condition is not being released.

Anyone with information about Beal’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office at (800) 922-9709. Individuals can also call Crimestoppers of the Midlands at (888) CRIME–SC. Callers can remain anonymous and could be eligible for a cash reward of between $50 and $1,000.